A commentary of M. John Calvin, upon the book of Joshua finished a little…A commentarie of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the booke of Iosue finished a little…

6 Strengthen therefore, &c.) Now he showeth the way how to overcome, lest they should take them selves to gross security, as often times it cometh to pass in stead of faith and trust. Therefore he affirmeth, that God would be merciful unto them, promising that whatsoever they take in hand shall have happy success, if they continued in the obedience of the law. The hypocrites, although they do securely contemn God, and laugh him to scorn, yet they would have him bound unto them: yea with full mouths, not without great folly, they boast of his promises. But true faith doeth so rest in God, that also it retaineth men in his fear. Finally, that GOD may be found, he must be sought unfeignedly: and if we desire that he should look upon us, we must take heed, that we turn not our backs unto him. By the verb of strengthening, as it is said elsewhere, he meaneth an earnest endeavour: because that in so great weakness, no man shall throughly prepare him self to keep the law, except he endeavour above his strength. Also we must note, the definition of true obedience, which is here repeated out of Moses, that we turn not aside, either unto the right hand, or to the left hand.¹

6 Strengthen therefore, &c.) Now he sheweth the way how to ouercome, lest they should take them selues to grosse securitie, as often times it commeth to passe in steede of faith and trust. Therefore he affirmeth, that God would be mercifull vnto them, promising that whatsoeuer they take in hand shall haue happie successe, if they continued in the obedience of the lawe. The hypocrites, although they doe securely contemne God, and laugh him to scorne, yet they would haue him bound vnto them: yea with full mouths, not without great follie, they boast of his promises. But true faith doeth so rest in God, that also it reteineth men in his feare. Finally, that GOD may be found, he must be sought vnfeignedly: and if we desire that he should looke vppon vs, we must take heede, that we turne not our backes vnto him. By the verbe of strengthening, as it is said elsewhere, he meaneth an earnest endeuour: because that in so great weakenes, no man shall throughly prepare him selfe to keepe the lawe, except he endeuour aboue his strength. Also we must note, the definition of true obedience, which is here repeated out of Moses, that we turne not aside, either vnto the right hand, or to the left hand.¹